What capability is necessary to reduce the impact of future disasters?

Mitigation is the capability that focuses on reducing the impact and severity of future disasters. This involves proactive measures and strategies designed to decrease the likelihood of a disaster occurring and lessen its consequences when it does happen. Effective mitigation can include a wide range of actions, such as implementing building codes that enhance structural integrity against earthquakes, creating flood plains to absorb excess water, and developing land-use planning that avoids construction in high-risk areas.

In the context of emergency management, while recovery addresses the aftermath of a disaster, response deals with the immediate actions taken during and after an event to protect lives and property. Preparedness encompasses planning and training to ensure that individuals and organizations can respond effectively to emergencies. However, none of these capabilities directly focus on altering the conditions that make disasters more likely or severe, which is the essence of mitigation.